This was our third steep hike in the city and country in what has proved to be a land of contrasts (see later). Because we are biased, the natural wonders are critical to us; the town and cities not. The road to the trailhead is twelve kilometers from highway 40, but far more difficult to negotiate than most mountain hikes. We consider today's car journey a superior performance to our hiking capabilities and we were, if we may boldly suggest, pleased with our results. We reduced the time by 50% on the allotment and by a third on the alternate suggestion. It was a wonderful hike which took us through a forest, above a tree line, back into a forest and then out again for a 2,300 feet elevation gain over a short distance. Effectively, we climbed at an average of 1,150 feet per hour. The rewards were saved for the peak—they were superb. The views on the opposite side from the ascent were amazing, providing a desert scene coloring landscape with a volcano adding a blast. The front view gave interesting, long distance sights of the lakes and mountains. It was a fantastic day in an unusual place on slopes that were deceptively steep and without coming across another soul.
We met two young men working at the restaurant, an informal tent arrangement, at the trailhead. We are fortunate to come across so many interesting and pleasant people on our travels. Esteban, a local and Clemente, a French resident, joined us for tea at a table on the lawn. It was a delightful half-hour of swopping experiences as we waited for our tea to warm and feet to cool. Because of the poor road conditions, we had a further 2 kilometers to walk to retrieve our car and thereafter, to have a chip inflicted on the windscreen. Well, almost a perfect day.
Jen pauses a few feet from the peak after a steep hike (aren't they all) on a very satisfying day. The terrain of
the steep mountain slope below is covered in small stones. We set out from the valley at the floor of the forest below.
Standing above the mountain ranges in the distance, provided terrific perspectives.
Found this view on the other side of the peak to be remarkable. I had to stop staring after a while for fear of being rude.
At the peak, a very satisfying experience in a great environment of beautifully toned rocks and sand.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Calling for a cup of tea, numero 'cinco', outside the restaurant. Esteban, and Clemente with his back to Jenni.
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